The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Older than water, stubborn as stone
There'll be no forgiveness for all that you've known
Oh these days, oh these days get heavy
Hotter than friction, subtle as sound
There'll be no forgiveness for you to come around
Oh these days, oh these days get heavy
I get older and life fades but you remain
Open up again I believe in second chances
Please let me in, oh I believe in second chances
I won't break you
I will not let you down
Open up again, I believe in second chances
Quicker than lightning, whiter than bone
If you can erase it then I can atone
Oh these days oh these days get heavy
I get older and life fades but you remain
Open up again I believe in second chances
Please let me in, oh I believe in second chances
I won't break you I will not let you down
Open up again I believe in second chances
Forgive me
Forgive me
Open up again I believe in second chances
Please let me in, oh I believe in second chances
I won't break you I will not let you down
Open up again, I believe in second chances
Goodnight
Goodnight
Goodnight
Goodnight
Goodnight
Goodnight
Goodnight
Goodnight
There'll be no forgiveness for all that you've known
Oh these days, oh these days get heavy
Hotter than friction, subtle as sound
There'll be no forgiveness for you to come around
Oh these days, oh these days get heavy
I get older and life fades but you remain
Open up again I believe in second chances
Please let me in, oh I believe in second chances
I won't break you
I will not let you down
Open up again, I believe in second chances
Quicker than lightning, whiter than bone
If you can erase it then I can atone
Oh these days oh these days get heavy
I get older and life fades but you remain
Open up again I believe in second chances
Please let me in, oh I believe in second chances
I won't break you I will not let you down
Open up again I believe in second chances
Forgive me
Forgive me
Open up again I believe in second chances
Please let me in, oh I believe in second chances
I won't break you I will not let you down
Open up again, I believe in second chances
Goodnight
Goodnight
Goodnight
Goodnight
Goodnight
Goodnight
Goodnight
Goodnight
Lyrics submitted by Mellow_Harsher
Second Chances Lyrics as written by Daniel Coulter Reynolds Benjamin Arthur Mckee
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
This song is about someone who messed up, maybe in a relationship and maybe not, but they want a second chance to make up for what they did. They're saying, "I believe in second chances, so can you please give me one?" The lines, "I will not break you, I will not let you down," tend to suggest that it is a relationship and that they accidentally did something that made the other person upset and want to leave them. But the narrator just wants to make up for it. The line, "I get older and life fades but you remain," suggests that the narrator has spent time away from the other person and yet that person hasn't yet disappeared from their life. In general, I think it's a beautiful and soft song about someone who wants redemption for a mistake and really just wants someone else back in their life.